Engaging Beginner Readers

How to Gauge Your Child's Reading Level

In Texas, every school district has in place some method of gauging a child’s reading level. Teachers sometimes implement their own assessments as well, which they will then use to determine the best course of action to teach your child to read.

The only problem with this is that it is, occasionally, separate from parents. Those of you who want to engage your child in the home and help them learn – you’ve come to the right place. We hope to inform you on ways you can accomplish this. Because ANYONE can help a child learn to read (not just teachers, and not just tutors). However, take note that free assessments are often not as comprehensive and developed as the for-profit tests. We want to be sure that you understand that one test is often not enough to fully understand a child’s reading habits, due to many factors that could inhibit a child’s performance. Now, on to the free test!

The National Right to Read Foundation (NRRF) has released helpful tools you can use to to assess your child’s reading level. Here you can find a free assessment for children, as early as 1st grade.

Utilizing the Reading Level

Once you know what grade level your child reads at, find at-level reading material that engages your child. You can find literacy programs (such as the pricey Basal method) through multiple online retailers. Ask your child’s school about what literacy program they follow, and perhaps you can access free books through the school’s library, or your local library. Most libraries have fun reading sections specifically created for children! Reading nooks, colorful arrangements, and activities are sure to access your child’s creative mind and prepare them to read. Be sure that your child is interested in the reading material. For example, a student who enjoys reading about pets may be very interested in a fantasy series about animals, but may not have a desire to read a book about geography. This process should be painless, but stay persistent in requiring your child to read upwards of 20 minutes a day.

Texas-specific Material by TEA

The TEA has provided instructors with helpful material known as the Red Book. The Red Book(s) can be found on the TEA’s website here. The Red Book Series will provide instructors and parents the ability to aid children in the journey to read.

The Texas Literacy Initiative also informs teachers and parents about how Texas is taking active steps to increase standardized reading scores for Texas students by providing intriguing resources for Texans.

Are you concerned about your child’s early development (and by early, we mean infancy to prekindergarten)? Are you wondering if he or she is developing at the same rate as other children the same age? Texas offers a free screening of children titled Act Early Texas.

Dyslexia will also appear in young students who often fall through cracks in the public school system. If you believe your child may have dyslexia, check out the TEA’s page on Dyslexia here.

Free Infographic for Beginner Readers

Download this free infographic to use when you need a quick reminder on how to engage your beginner, or early, readers.

Would you, or your student, benefit from our academic services offered in Austin, Dallas, South and Central Texas? Contact us today to receive information regarding our SAT Test Prep. Curious about what we offer in addition to SAT Test Prep tutoring? Click here to visit our website at www.plantingseedstutoring.com. You can also contact Planting Seeds Tutoring with your questions at (972) 342-6496, or via email at plantingseedstutoring@gmail.com.

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